Have Gun—Will Travel 1959-03-15 (017) Death of a Young Gunfighter

Summary

Death of a Young Gunfighter

Have Gun—Will Travel | Episode 017 | Released June 3, 2025

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Introduction & Setting

"Death of a Young Gunfighter," the seventeenth episode of Have Gun—Will Travel, masterfully transports listeners to the turbulent backdrop of San Francisco in 1875. Hosted by Harold’s Old Time Radio, the episode immerses the audience in the Golden Age of Radio, capturing the essence of a time when families gathered around their radios to experience gripping tales before the advent of television.

The story unfolds at the Carlton Hotel, the strategic headquarters of Paladin, a renowned gunfighter-for-hire. The desolate streets of a small New Mexico town, fraught with blood feuds and lingering tensions, set the stage for a narrative rich in drama and moral complexity.

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Main Conflict

The central conflict revolves around a vicious blood feud known as the Rennseabri feud, which has already claimed 38 lives. John Seabury, a grieving father, seeks Paladin's expertise to avenge his son's death at the hands of Juan Carlos Morita, a notorious killer within the feud. Seabury's desperation is palpable when he states:

“You can throw your gun away and they'll hang you. Or you can keep it and try to use it on me. Either way, you're going to die.”
—John Seabury (00:27)

Paladin’s mission is not just a matter of retribution but also an attempt to bring peace and end the cycle of violence plaguing the town.

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Characters & Motivations

• Paladin: A principled and strategic gunfighter who values peace over needless bloodshed. His commitment to ending the feud highlights his role as both a mediator and a warrior.

• John Seabury: A distraught father intent on avenging his son’s death. His initial approach reflects the desperation and moral quandaries faced by those caught in endless vendettas.

• Juan Carlos Morita: Initially portrayed as a cold-blooded killer, Morita's character undergoes significant development. His interactions reveal a man torn between his violent past and a desire for redemption.

• Maria: Morita’s love interest, whose gentle spirit and influence become pivotal in Morita’s transformation. Her perspective introduces themes of love, forgiveness, and the possibility of change.

• John Haskell: A friend of Morita who becomes entangled in the conflict, embodying the broader implications of the feud on personal relationships.

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Key Events

1. Paladin Accepts the Mission (00:27 - 05:24)

   Seabury briefs Paladin on the dire situation, emphasizing Morita’s reputation and the futility of vengeance. Although initially reluctant, Paladin’s sense of duty compels him to take on the job.

2. Confrontation with Morita (05:23 - 08:00)

   Paladin engages with Morita, revealing the depth of the feud. Tensions escalate when Morita wounds Paladin’s ally, highlighting the perilous nature of their mission.

3. Discovery of Amnesty (10:02 - 11:24)

   Paladin uncovers a declaration of amnesty by Major General Thomas Hardy, intended to end the bloodshed. This revelation introduces a ticking clock element, as the amnesty threatens to unravel any remaining peace.

4. Moral Conflict and Reconciliation (12:34 - 20:26)

   Through heartfelt dialogues, Morita expresses his desire to abandon violence. Influenced by Maria, he offers Paladin his gun and monetary incentive to forsake his former life:

   “I do not want to kill again. I do not even know you. I have no hate for you.”
   —Juan Morita (12:50)

   This pivotal moment underscores the theme of redemption and the impact of personal connections in overcoming ingrained hatred.

5. Final Showdown (20:26 - 21:38)

   Despite strides toward peace, residual tensions threaten to reignite violence. Paladin intervenes decisively, ensuring Morita’s commitment to non-violence is upheld, thus preventing further bloodshed.

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Resolution

The episode culminates in a heartfelt resolution where Morita, influenced by Maria’s unwavering support and Paladin’s steadfastness, chooses a path of peace over revenge. The lingering threat of the hangman’s noose serves as a grim reminder of the fragile peace, but Paladin’s intervention solidifies the hope for lasting harmony.

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Themes & Insights

• Redemption and Forgiveness: Morita’s transformation from a feared killer to a man seeking redemption highlights the possibility of change, regardless of one’s past.

• The Futility of Vengeance: The destructive cycle of the Rennseabri feud serves as a stark illustration of how vengeance only perpetuates suffering and loss.

• The Power of Personal Connections: Relationships, particularly Maria’s influence on Morita, play a crucial role in breaking down barriers and fostering reconciliation.

• Moral Integrity: Paladin’s unwavering moral compass exemplifies the role of individuals in shaping the course of events towards justice and peace.

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Notable Quotes

• Paladin’s Determination:

  “You don’t kill a man that way. When he can’t reach his gun.”
  —Paladin (08:03)

• Morita’s Plea for Peace:

  “I do not want to kill again. I do not even know you. I have no hate for you.”
  —Juan Morita (12:50)

• Maria’s Influence:

  “He is not a gunfighter. I'm afraid for him.”
  —Maria (18:44)

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Conclusion

"Death of a Young Gunfighter" eloquently weaves a narrative that transcends the typical Western genre tropes by delving deep into the psychological and emotional struggles of its characters. Through Paladin’s quest for peace, Morita’s search for redemption, and Maria’s role as the catalyst for change, the episode offers a rich exploration of human nature, the possibility of transformation, and the enduring hope for a harmonious resolution to seemingly intractable conflicts.

Listeners are left contemplating the profound impact of personal integrity and the potential for individuals to inspire meaningful change within their communities. This episode stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in addressing timeless themes of justice, forgiveness, and the human capacity for change.

Transcript

[Paladin]

With the Amex gold card, you can.

[John Seabury]

Run your errands and grab a pick.

[Paladin]

Me up from dunkin on Amex. Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits when you pay with the gold card at Dunkin. Enrollment required terms apply.

[John Seabury]

Learn [e-mail] US Explore.

[Paladin]

You don't have much choice left, mister. You can throw your gun away and they'll hang you. Or you can keep it and try to use it on me. Either way, you're going to die.

[John Seabury]

Have guns will travel starring Mr. John Danar as Paladin. San Francisco, 1875. The Carlton Hotel. Headquarters of a man called Paladin.

[Paladin]

And let's see. Ah, here you're drinking, Mr. Paladin. He boy bring you brandy. Oh, thanks. Set it down. Hmm. Well, do you want me to read it to you? Oh, I beg your pardon. I should think so. Reading over a guest's shoulder is hardly the proper behavior for an oriental gentleman. You go. Go where? Newspaper say blood feud rages in New Mexico. 38 men already die job for you, Mr. Paladin. Maybe so, hey boy. We'll see. Violence flared again in Ren sebri feud when Juan carlos morita killed james Seabury in a gunfight. Morita, a notorious killer, had hired his gun to the wren faction. Misa Paladin make money. One side hire, Morita's gone. Other side hire Misa Paladin's gone. Hey boy, you've sold me. Guess you better send a wire. Yes, you are misa Paladin right now.

[John Seabury]

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[Paladin]

It was late afternoon when I rode into the new mexico town. But the summer sun was still merciless, reflecting off the adobe buildings. The dirt street seemed almost deserted. The town was motionless, except for something that swung slowly from a jerry built scaffold in the middle of the street. It was a hangman's noose. And beneath it lay the body of a dead man. Raise him, I said. Get him up. I never argued you with a shotgun. That's better. Better.

[Juan Morita]

This him, Mr. Seabury?

[Paladin]

We like you to look at him. No, he's not Marita. Let him put his hands down. You john Seabury?

[John Seabury]

That's right.

[Paladin]

How long has that body been lying there? We hung him this morning. Who isn't? Marita's brother. And Juan Marita is supposed to come for him. Is that it? That's it, mister.

[John Seabury]

Now, who are you?

[Paladin]

Paladin, you're late. Let's go inside. I don't want the job. You heard of marita's reputation, mister? It scare you? It doesn't scare me. I just don't want this job. I've paid you $500 in advance. You'll give the money back, mister? Gladly.

[John Seabury]

Here.

[Paladin]

You're mighty squeamish for a man with.

[John Seabury]

A gun for hire.

[Paladin]

Merida has killed nine human beings. To hunt an animal, a killer, you do whatever you have to. So you leave the brother's body unburied until Merida comes? No, thanks. Mr. Seabury, I understand that Merida is a cold blooded killer. I know he killed your son in a gunfight. There was no contest. I came here to take him for you. But I bury the dead, Mr. Seabury. Good day, gentlemen.

[Juan Morita]

Yes, sir.

[Paladin]

I'd like a room. My horse is outside.

[Juan Morita]

All right, I'll take him to the livery. You staying long, mister?

[Paladin]

Just the night. Can I get a bath?

[Juan Morita]

Well, water's real scarce here, mister. You get a pitcher full, and you can do anything you want with it. It's real warm.

[Paladin]

I know.

[Juan Morita]

You the gunfighter?

[Paladin]

I'm the man seabury brought in. Yeah.

[Juan Morita]

Marita killed nine men. Some say more. He needs dying.

[Paladin]

Who are you?

[Juan Morita]

My name's Haskell. John haskell.

[Paladin]

You know marita?

[Juan Morita]

He was born here.

[Paladin]

Beyond that. Did you know him well?

[Juan Morita]

He was a friend of mine. Used to be.

[Paladin]

Now you want him dead?

[Juan Morita]

I told you, mister, he needs dying.

[Paladin]

The town was still quiet the next morning as I walked across the street to get my horse. One of seabree's Hands was dozing in a chair near the stable door, a shotgun in his lap. As I came out of the sunlight and walked toward the stall, I had a feeling that someone was behind me in the shadows. And I was right.

[Juan Morita]

Mister, is this your fight?

[Paladin]

No, it isn't my fight. Are you Morita?

[Juan Morita]

I am Juan Morita, and I will advise you stay inside.

[Paladin]

He moved out of the door like a panther. The man in the chair was dead before he could raise his shotgun. Marita caught Sivri's other man as he came lurching onto the street. Then came Mr. Seavery himself. Only this time it was different. Morita's shot only wounded them.

[John Seabury]

I'll get you next time, Marita.

[Paladin]

I'mma get you.

[Juan Morita]

There will be no next time for you, John Seabre.

[Paladin]

Morita.

[Juan Morita]

I thought you said this was not your fight.

[Paladin]

You don't kill a man that way.

[Juan Morita]

Stay out of this.

[Paladin]

You don't kill him when he's lying on the ground, when he can't reach his gun. I tried to get to him, but I was too late and I was too slow. Before I could draw, Morita swung his gun butt down on my head.

[John Seabury]

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[Paladin]

The trail I followed after Juan Morita was long hot and dry. The desert knows how to keep its secrets. And I had been riding for three weeks when I finally came to another small adobe town and went in to see the sheriff.

[Juan Morita]

Something I can do for you, mister?

[Paladin]

That depends. I'm looking for Juan Morita. Oh, that's. So you know him? Yes, I know him by sight.

[Juan Morita]

How long you been after him, mister?

[Paladin]

About three weeks. Do you know where he is?

[Juan Morita]

I know where he is.

[Paladin]

What did he do, mister? Pay you to protect him? Or are you just afraid?

[Juan Morita]

How long has it been since you.

[Paladin]

Read a paper, mister?

[Juan Morita]

Go on, pick it up.

[Paladin]

Might learn something. Amnesty. What? Amnesty. Read it for yourself. Three years of violence ended today when a general amnesty was declared in the bloody renneseabri feud in New Mexico. This true? Yeah, it's true. Well, read the rest of it. The amnesty was called by Major General Thomas Hardy. The involved principals have laid down their arms and taken oaths to keep. General Hardy said anyone breaking the amnesty would be summarily court martialed and executed. Among those taking the oath was Juan Carlos Morita.

[Juan Morita]

And you don't break the amnesty. It start the whole thing up again.

[Paladin]

Where is he?

[Juan Morita]

He's on his way home.

[Paladin]

To Seabreeze town?

[Juan Morita]

That's right. Now you better listen, mister. They mean it about this amnesty. You kill him, you hang. It had to stop somewhere.

[Paladin]

Let it lie. It's done. Not quite. Almost, but not quite.

[Juan Morita]

Mister, I know Morita. I respect him. He says he wants to hang up his gun.

[Paladin]

I believe him.

[Juan Morita]

Now give him his chance.

[Paladin]

He'll have a chance. The small campfire was nearly out, but there were still embers. The long hunt was coming to an end. Juan Morita had been there. He couldn't be far away. In fact, at the moment, he was closer than I wanted him to be.

[Juan Morita]

Your gun belt. Let it drop.

[John Seabury]

Be quick.

[Paladin]

Now.

[Juan Morita]

Turn around so I can see your face.

[Paladin]

Huh?

[Juan Morita]

The man who was there with John Seabrek.

[Paladin]

I was there that day when you shot a wounded man in cold blood.

[Juan Morita]

John Seabre put a rope around my brother's neck. My brother was 18 years old. He did not even shave yet. And John Cibre let him lie dead in the street. The platinum card's five times membership rewards. Points on flights got us to paradise.

[Paladin]

With special access to unforgettable experiences and late hotel checkouts. Platinum card membership for a trip that's next level. Learn [e-mail] Explore Platinum terms and points cap apply. How many men did your brother kill? Your 18 year old brother? What do you sell his life for, Marita?

[Juan Morita]

I do not want to kill you.

[Paladin]

How many men, Marita?

[Juan Morita]

I do not want to kill again. I do not even know you. I have no hate for you. How much are Cyprus people paying you? How much am I worth?

[Paladin]

No charge. I want you for myself. But why?

[Juan Morita]

I am nothing to you.

[Paladin]

You should have made the first shot count. If you'd killed Seabree with the first Shot, I wouldn't have given you a second thought.

[Juan Morita]

You had better stop thinking about me, mister. I am going now. If you follow me, I will kill your horse. Do not make me do that.

[Paladin]

You'll have to kill me, too.

[Juan Morita]

I could do that, mister.

[Paladin]

Yes, I guess you could. His gun was pointed right at my belly. He could have killed me. But he didn't. He stood there, and he started to tremble. Then, very slowly, his gun hand dropped to his side. No.

[Juan Morita]

No, I will not kill you. I will not kill again. I put my life in your hands here. I give you my gun, mister. I give you $200. All I got. You take me home alive. Don't let anyone lay a gun on me until I get there. A man should die among his people. I will not wear a gun again.

[John Seabury]

Hey, who's gonna win the thorough red Kentucky club? Who's gonna win that horse and make it pay lots of money? Well, Kentucky club, pipe tobacco has to find a winner. So the horse is here. The time is near. Get your entry blank today. Yes. Enter the annual derby day contest, sponsored by Kentucky club's nine brands of pipe tobaccos. First prize, a thoroughbred bay colt, Son of famous oil capital, who won over $580,000. Jockey Ted Atkinson helped select this prize coat. You name him and he's yours. He could win a fortune for you. Get Kentucky club derby day contest entry blanks free at tobacco counters now. Hey, who's gonna win the thoroughbred? Kentucky club's thoroughbred.

[Paladin]

Who's gonna win that horse and make.

[John Seabury]

It pay lots of money? Round Kentucky club night Tobacco has to find a winner. So the horse is here. The time is near.

[Paladin]

Get your entry. It was a long ride home for marita. We had time to get to know each other in the silences and in the times when we talked. Let's rest the horses a minute.

[Juan Morita]

All right. Paladin.

[Paladin]

Yeah?

[Juan Morita]

You think it is possible they will let me come back? You think they can let themselves forget?

[Paladin]

I don't know, Marita. Some won't. Some may try.

[John Seabury]

I don't know.

[Paladin]

But if it were me, I'd ride west. I wouldn't try to go back. No? No.

[Juan Morita]

My people say a man is like a tree. You tear out his roots, he dies. No man wants to die. I have killed 12 men, Paladin. I remember the faces of each of them. I do not forget. You think I have a right to live?

[Paladin]

You have a right to try.

[Juan Morita]

A man speaks of death, but he is not sincere. I want to live. I want to get married. You think I'M crazy?

[Paladin]

No, Maria. A little optimistic, maybe, but not crazy.

[Juan Morita]

Maria. She's a woman with a tender spirit. I would give my eyes to know that I could grow all together with her. You will see her, Paladin. You will tell me if she's not a woman to behold.

[Paladin]

I'm sure she is.

[Juan Morita]

I will not live a week. I will not wear a gun, and I will not live a week. I was an altar boy. And now I have killed 12 men. I cannot forget. And if I cannot, Paladin, can the others?

[Paladin]

Then why go back?

[Juan Morita]

To try.

[Paladin]

Lets go. Morita was making a good try, and it wasn't easy. There was sullenness and suspicion through the town. The day we got back, the hangman's rig still stood in the middle of the street. And there was talk that it was waiting for Marita. But he kept his word. He didn't put on a gun. And on the night of the fiesta, it looked like he might make it.

[Juan Morita]

You see, Paladin? You see my Maria? I told you she is a woman to behold.

[Paladin]

You were right, Juana. She's lovely.

[Maria]

The senor is very kind.

[Juan Morita]

And we will marry, and we will have children. And we will live together until we are old. Is that not so, Maria?

[Maria]

Juan?

[Juan Morita]

It is so. I drink too much. I talk too much. This is for you, Paladin. You dance with my maria. I will be back in a little bit.

[Paladin]

It will be my pleasure, Maria.

[Maria]

Would you Forgive me, Mr. Paladin, if I asked you to come aside with me for a moment? I would like a chance to talk with you.

[Paladin]

Always at the service of a pretty woman, Maria.

[Maria]

That Juan. Tonight he's strong. Tonight he remembers how much we used to love each other. Do you think he will remember tomorrow when he's tired or angry or feels he must kill someone?

[Paladin]

I don't speak for him, Maria. Do you love him?

[Maria]

A man like that, if you're a woman, he can stir you. I do not know if I love him anymore, Mr. Paladin. But I do not want to marry.

[Paladin]

Him and tell him so.

[Maria]

He has killed 12 men, senor. Do you know how simple it would be for him to kill another?

[John Seabury]

Who?

[Maria]

Another?

[Paladin]

None. No more, Maria. The killing is finished. I believe him.

[Maria]

I'm going to marry someone else. Mr. Paladin. He is not a gunfighter. I'm afraid for him.

[Paladin]

Tell Juan he won't strap on a gun. He won't kill this man.

[Maria]

And if he tries?

[Paladin]

If he tries, I won't let him.

[Juan Morita]

What is this? You will not let Someone do. Pauline.

[Paladin]

I won't let you put on a gun, Marita.

[Juan Morita]

I get my word. Why should I break it?

[Paladin]

I don't think you will.

[Juan Morita]

But Maria. She thinks I will. Is that it? Why, Maria?

[Paladin]

Why, Juan?

[Juan Morita]

It is said, Paladin, that only a fool stands between lovers. Why, Maria?

[Maria]

I cannot marry you, Juan.

[Juan Morita]

But I love you.

[Maria]

It is too late. Too much has changed. You have changed.

[Juan Morita]

Another. There is another while I was away. Who is he, Maria?

[Maria]

I love him, Juan.

[Juan Morita]

I believe you. Tell me his name.

[Maria]

Do not kill him.

[Juan Morita]

His name. You know my name, Juan. I know your name. John Haskell. I called you friend. Do you have a gun, friend? I own one in the street tonight.

[Paladin]

Morita.

[Juan Morita]

Do not make me come after you. Haskell. Thy big friend. Maybe she will cry for you.

[Paladin]

Marita. You gave me your word, Maria.

[Juan Morita]

She gave me her word too, Mr. Paladin.

[Paladin]

And so it was not over after all. There was to be another shooting in another dusty street. And it could only come out one way. Man doesn't learn much about gun fighting working behind a hotel desk. But Haskell wouldn't hide. He came outside the hotel wearing his gun belt awkwardly. Morita's shot caught him in the shoulder. Then it was up to me. After all, I had also given my word.

[Juan Morita]

Paladin, do not stand in front of him.

[Paladin]

You're not gonna shoot him again.

[Juan Morita]

Morita, do not make me kill you. You're not good enough to fight me.

[Paladin]

We'll see.

[Juan Morita]

I said it. It seems a long time ago. I do not wish to kill you.

[Paladin]

You have a choice, Maria. You can throw away a gun, and they'll hang you for breaking the amnesty. Or you can fight me.

[Juan Morita]

I will not.

[Paladin]

He lay there in the street, in the shadow of the hangman's rig. Juan Morita had tried, but he couldn't live without his gun. At least he didn't hang. Ah. Here. Your drink, Mr. Paladin. Hey boy, bring your brandy. Oh. Oh, thanks. You set it down. Yes, sir, Mr. Paladin. You want hey boy to read paper with you? Find job for you like last time? No, hey boy, not like last time. Oh. By a Mr. Paladin. Big hero. Stop feud. Kill big killer. No, you're not a hero if you kill a man who wanted you to do it. What Mr. Paladin mean? Never mind. Just get me another drink.

[John Seabury]

Have gun Will travel, created by herb meadow and Sam Rolfe, is produced and directed by Norman McDonnell and stars John dana as Paladin, with ben wright as hey boy. Tonight's story was written by Julian Fink and adapted for radio by Marion Clark. Featured in the cast were Harry Bartel, Lillian BFF Clark, Gordon Lawrence Dobkin and Barney Phillips. Hugh Douglas speaking. Join us again next week for have Gun Will Travel.